The Truth About the Arthro-iONX Recall: What You Need To Know

If your beloved pet is suffering — from joint pain, hip dysplasia, or other similar conditions — you understand the need for a product that will ease his suffering. Helping him to live a healthier, happier life is your priority. Many dog owners felt strongly that Arthro-iONX was just such a product. However, thanks to a recent recall, many are questioning the validity of the product’s claims. Today, we’re sharing what you need to know about Arthro-iONX, the company behind it, and its recall.

What Is Arthro-iONX?

Arthro-iONX is one product in an extensive line up from a company called VETiONX. VETiONX develops products in conjunction with the advice of with several vets, including Dr. Charline Wilson, DVM. Also known as “Dr. Char” on the company’s website. According to the website, Dr. Char is a board-certified veterinarian who specializes in what’s known as veterinary homeopathy and holistic treatment for animals.

Arthro-iONX is packaged in a bright orange bottle and is designed to ease symptoms of arthritis in your pet. It is a medication for either cats or dogs. It utilizes a multi-med approach designed to get to the root of a variety of issues for your pet. Including pain, mobility and flexibility, and energy and vitality levels.

This liquid product can be given to your pet by dropper or mixed into her food. Either way, it is designed for daily use, though for extreme conditions can temporarily be used twice a day. The only active ingredients found in this product are homeopathic remedies. They include the following:

Arnica montana (well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to help with swelling and bruising)

Pulsatilla (great for vein issues and hormonal imbalances which can exacerbate joint pain)

…and quite a few more. The long list of ingredients makes it more likely that one will work for your pet. Though it should be noted that most are very low dose, which might impact the overall efficacy of the product.

Does Arthro-iONX Work?

The product reports very few side effects. In fact, homeopathy products, in general, are thought to be safe and can’t be overdosed, nor will they interfere with other medication. Arthro-iONX (also known only as arthro ionx) does recommend not using the product on a pet who is pregnant or lactating.

Compared to other supplements, the price of this supplement (before the recall) was not particularly high. While the bottle is only four ounces, the usage is fairly low. It’s also much less expensive than harsher and stronger painkillers requiring a prescription from a vet.

One frustration that many have is with the product’s ionization. The bottle explains that the product can’t be measured with a metal spoon or left by an electronic device (such as a microwave).

Note that the product’s shelf life is only 60-90 days, which means that dog owners can’t stock up and will have to order regularly if they plan to use this product long-term. It should be pointed out, however, that the company offers a money-back empty-bottle guarantee. If the product doesn’t work within sixty days as claimed, customers are invited to return their empty bottles for a full refund.

What Are People Saying About Arthro-iONX?

ARTHRO-iONX is Back! New Form, Same Ingredients.https://www.vetionx.com/arthro-ionx.php

By and large, reviews for this product tend to be more favorable than otherwise. Because the label reads “natural,” and it uses “homeopathic,” it is something of a lightning rod for critics. Much depends, of course, on your view of homeopathy (we’ll talk more about that later). However, there are enough reviews across online sites to make us believe this product is doing some pets a lot of good.

Many users report very quick recovery, with dogs who were limping on, favoring, or altogether not using a hind limb now walking squarely on all four paws. Dogs who were purported to yelp with pain when climbing stairs and to be experiencing extreme lethargy are reported to be pain-free again with the use of this product.

There are certainly vocal critics, including a website created just to expose the so-called “fraudulent nature” of the parent company (VETiONX). There are also frank reviews that explain the product didn’t work for them, despite careful use and application.

Is Homeopathy a Scam?

Since this product relies so heavily on the use of homeopathy, we thought we’d spend a few minutes explaining what it is and how it might affect your pet. Homeopathy is a medicinal system based on traditional remedies developed in the 1700s by a man named Samuel Hahnemann. He found that plants that caused certain reactions in people could help heal people who were sick with diseases that had similar symptoms.

Homeopathy has been used widely worldwide, especially in places like Germany and Europe. It consists of distilled herbs such as arnica montana. It is sometimes given in small sugar pills or dosed in liquids or topical creams or ointments. Many large-scale studies have repudiated homeopathy’s usefulness, citing a placebo effect. But many continue to practice and utilize this type of alternative treatment and claim to see tremendous results.

The Arthro-iONX Recall

This summer, VETiONX issued a recall on Arthro-iONX and another product known as DIA-IONX, used for blood sugar imbalances in pets. The supplement recall is specifically for the following product specifications:

Arthro-iONX–Joint & Mobility Pain Formula

Bottle size: 4 Fluid Ounces

UPC: 891129002514

Lot# 040717A

Exp: 12/19

Resellers and customers should dump or return any of this product obtained on or before July 26, 2017. The reasons stated is a bacterial contamination leading to a foul smell in some bottles. The company states that they have not received health complaints and are recalling this product with the knowledge of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Since that statement came out, Arthro-iONX is no longer available for purchase. At this time, the company has given no indication whether or not this product will become available.

As with most recalls, this recall is at best extremely inconvenient and at worse, dangerous to pets. There is no advised recourse for pets that exhibit any kind of alarming symptoms after consuming the product, nor are possible side effects or symptoms mentioned. We recommend discussing your concerns with your dog’s vet if your pup has ingested any of this recalled product.

The Arthro-iONX website also fails to alert consumers to whether or not VETiONX will be making refunds available to consumers. We can only assume this will, in fact, be the case, though consumers, would do well to provide precise documentation of purchase information (as well as the bottle, UPC, and lot # info) prior to throwing the product out.

Alternatives to Arthro-iONX

Whether you’re a dog-owner upset that you can no longer use a product that was working, or a dog owner looking for a better working alternative to this joint supplement, there are several alternatives to look to.

Arthro Chews

NEW from VETiONX! Arthro Chews are a naturally-flavored chew treat that provides support for your pet’s healthy joints, cartilage, bones, muscles, immunity, and mobility.

If you were happy with your Arthro-iONX, there is another option available at VETiONX in the same line. Arthro Chews, instead of being another potentially unstable liquid, are a soft chewable tablet. Unlike the homeopathic remedies that the liquid supplement relied on, this product uses ingredients that are more in line with what you expect when purchasing a natural supplement. Some of the ingredients include:

Perna Canaliculus (obtained from a mussel that lives in New Zealand, this Omega 3-packed nutrient protects your dog’s cartilage from destructive enzymes. Plus, it’s full of minerals such as phosphorus, calcium, iron, and potassium.)

Vitamin C (one of the most powerful known antioxidants, Vitamin C is necessary for the creation of collagen, the main protein found in your pup’s joint tissues and bones)

This product appears to be significantly easier to use and is much more attractive if you don’t want to try a homeopathic remedy on your pet.

Flexpet

This “all natural” pain relief supplement promises all natural ingredients. It’s blend lubricates and reduces swelling in the joints. If you are looking for something to try this may help. This remedy does not claim to be homeopathic, though.

Some ingredients include:

Glucosamine Sulfate

Bromelain

Cetyl Myristoleate

Hydrolyzed Collagen II

Enzyme Blend

Most importantly, if you feel your dog is experiencing pain or joint or mobility issues, talk to your vet. He or she will be able to accurately diagnosis the situation and help you provide an optimal treatment plan for your dog.

Nobody wants to see his or her pet suffering, so it’s vital that we feed our beloved dogs products that work and are good for him or her. Thoroughly understanding the pros and cons about Arthro-iONX will help you make the best decision for your pet.